[Mark E Horan]

No, drop tanks were not carried. The Skua, with its engine performing correctly and run at proper operating speeds, had the range to reach Bergen from "HMS Sparrowhawk" (RNAS Hatston) in the Orkneys.

There was an RAF emergency field on another island 50 miles closer that was available for damaged aircraft or ones that were using too much fuel. Subsequent operations conducted by 806 Squadron later in the campaign, and by 801 Squadron later in the summer and fall, used this field as a staging point, departing Hatston and landing there to refuel before leaving on the assigned mission, and often returning there on the return flight to Hatston.

Mark E. Horan